This could be your BIG chance to shine

The cast of last year's production of Oliver!

Published:11:20Tuesday 04 February 2014

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Brackley Performing Arts is looking to recruit new members for its next show, Big! The Musical, to be performed in the Roxburgh Theatre at Stowe School on August 22 and 23, following a week of intensive rehearsals.

The first meeting for the new show is from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, February 9, at Brackley Junior School.

This will be an audition workshop, giving everyone the chance to hear and read through the audition pieces.

The auditions will follow on Sunday, March 16.

Brackley Performing Arts Company (PAC) was formed in 2012 by a group of residents who were experienced in the world of musical theatre, performance or production.

The aim of the group, set up with a generous grant from the South Northants Youth Council, was to give people the chance to take part in full-scale productions of classic and modern musicals, alongside regular workshops and social events.

The group’s first production was Oliver! last Easter when a cast of 60 performed to more than 800 people in the Roxburgh Theatre at Stowe School.

This year’s show, Big! The Musical, is an adaptation of the 1988 hit film starring Tom Hanks. When frustrated adolescent Josh Baskin wishes he were ‘big’ and wakes up the next morning a 30-year-old man, he discovers there’s much more to being an adult than he’s bargained for.

The vibrant, funny and touching family musical contains some excellent musical numbers and show-stopping dance routines.

Brackley PAC is looking for new members to join the cast for this year’s show. Children from the age of seven upwards and adults are needed.

Committee member Laura Sherwood said: “We have a strong following of the younger members so it’s mainly adults we’re looking for.

“But families are welcome. It’s during the school holidays so if families are off with their kids, they’re welcome. We had a few families that did it last year and they really enjoyed it. It’s something very different.

“We have one rehearsal every month in the run-up, but the majority of the work is done in the action week in the run-up to the show.”

No experience is necessary and there are no auditions to join the company.

“There were people that came along last year that had never done any stage work at all,” said Miss Sherwood.

“It’s a good place to be. There’s no upper age limit. It’s really inclusive. If you want to give it a go, there’s a chance to.”

And she added: “It’s nice because Big! The Musical is a newish musical and it’s quite modern.

“And obviously the venue is amazing. It’s just recently been renovated. It’s an impressive venue. To do it there is quite prestigious. It gives a good feeling.”